What are the signs and symptoms of herpes zoster?
HZ often starts with pain in your back, chest, neck, or face. A rash then develops where you had your pain. Sometimes pain does not occur before the rash. The rash is usually found on only one side of your body. The rash may feel itchy or painful. It starts as red dots that become blisters filled with fluid. The blisters may grow and become filled with pus. The blisters usually grow bigger, become filled with pus, and then crust over after a few days. You may also have any of the following: • Eye pain when exposed to light. • Fatigue (getting tired easily). • Fever (high body temperature). • Headache. • Itchy or tingling skin. • Pain when your skin is touched very lightly. • Weakness. How is herpes zoster diagnosed? Your caregiver will ask you questions about your signs and symptoms. Tell your caregiver if you have had chicken pox. Tell him also if you have been exposed to the HZ or have been around any sick people. Usually, the appearance of your rash will be enough for your caregiver
Your caregiver will ask you questions about your signs and symptoms. Tell your caregiver if you have had chickenpox. Tell him also if you have been exposed to the HZ virus or have been around any sick people. Usually, the appearance of your rash will be enough for your caregiver to know if you have HZ. You may also need any of the following: • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once. • Virus tests: Your caregiver may send skin scrapings or fluid from your blisters to the lab for tests.
